Colour Contrast: Using Refurbishments to Help Meet the DDA

We have recently received a number of enquiries from members about using colour contrast to help visually impaired people under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). We are pleased to put some ‘answers’ below.

There are estimated to be up to 1.8m blind or partially sighted people in the UK – far more than the estimated number of permanent wheelchair users. This is why it is so important not to think that simply putting a few ramps in will make your building comply with the DDA. Some key points about colour contrast:

- In order to facilitate the search and navigation tasks of visually impaired people in buildings, it is essential that there is adequate light contrast between all the major surfaces within the room.

- In general, visually impaired people find it difficult to perceive colour, but are much more able to detect differences in contrast (that is, light and dark). This ability allows visually impaired people to identify the boundaries between surfaces.

- Selecting alternative colours when decorating or re-decorating a building – or, for example, siting windows and light fittings in positions that do not cause glare to visually impaired people - can be and extremely cost-effective measure.

Redecoration and Refurbishments

The method – as described in the ICI Dulux/University of Reading CD-ROM, "Colour and Contrast : A design guide for the use of colour and contrast to improve the built environment for visually impaired people" – is not prescriptive and allows the interior colour scheme to be designed with some freedom. Once a colour scheme is designed, it may be checked against what the average visually impaired person can detect. Quite subtle colour schemes can be produced that provide sufficient luminance contrast to assist visually impaired people.

More Information

- The CD-ROM referred to above can be obtained free of charge from the ICI Dulux Trade Technical Group, Tel. 0870 242 1100, e-mail duluxtrade_advice@ici.com.

- Colour contrast, as well as lighting, are covered in the Workplacelaw Network’s "Disability: Making Building’s Accessible – Special Report" (£99). Copies are available from customer services on 0870 777 0202, or online from www.workplacelaw.net.

The Workplacelaw Network is preparing to carry out the UK’s biggest survey of how well organisations are meeting the access requirements of the DDA. The results should go a long way towards showing what particular areas are being neglected. Keep an eye on the Network for further information.
This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.